The city where the old and new melt together seamlessly – Seoul has captured the hearts of world travelers. It stays alive in every season, including the freezing winter. Streets are decked with lights, and the crisp air enhances the beauty of Seoul’s famous landmarks. Winter in Seoul offers beautiful snowy scenes and an opportunity to experience the culture, cuisine, and traditions that come alive during this season. Then, are you planning to travel to Seoul or South Korea generally? This guide – based on our expert TripLeaders’ recommendations – allows you to get the most out of Seoul in winter.
Winter in Seoul Guide – Summary
- How Does Seoul Looks Like During Winter?
- When is Winter in Seoul?
- Which is the Best Month to Travel in Winter in Seoul?
- Things to Do During Winter in Seoul
- Winter Destinations in Seoul
- Is it Worth Visiting Seoul in Winter?
How Does Seoul Look Like During Winter?
Generally, the frequent snowfall in Seoul turns the city into a snow-cloaked wonderland. Seoul’s iconic landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Namsan Tower are sprinkled with sparkling snow, which creates a captivating scene. Moreover, the city’s overall snow-covered trails and parks highlight beautiful photo opportunities for travelers.
Winter comes along with the holidays in the capital city, bringing a triumphant air. You can look forward to striking light displays, including the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Find dazzling Christmas decorations in some of Seoul’s top attractions, including Myeongdong and Itaewon districts. Furthermore, you can easily warm yourself with a hot soju or hotteok pancakes after a stroll in the snow.
When is Winter in Seoul?
Winter typically spans from December to February in the capital. During these months, temperatures can dip below freezing, and the city often sees a sprinkling of snow. With distinct seasonal changes, Seoul’s winter is a marked contrast to its warm and humid summer. Each month in winter brings its own character, from the festive Christmas spirit in December to the serene last chills of February.
Which is the Best Winter Month to Travel to Seoul?
You can choose the best month to travel to Seoul based on the activity you preferred. Here are what you can expect for each winter month in the city:
- December
For travelers who love the holiday spirit, December is the ideal time to visit Seoul. As Christmas comes, Seoul lights up with decorations, holiday markets, and events in full swing. So, December is perfect for anyone who wants to experience Seoul’s winter festivities. - January
January is another excellent month to visit as the New Year festivities bring an additional level of excitement. Snowfall is also common in January, making it ideal for travelers who want to see Seoul’s snowy landscapes. - February
By February, the holiday crowds have thinned, and the city prepares for the Lunar New Year (Seollal). February is quieter but still cold enough to enjoy the full winter experience without the peak-season hustle and bustle.
Things to Do in Winter in Seoul
1. Explore Winter Festivals
From light festivals to ice skating events, Seoul hosts several winter festivals. The Seoul Lantern Festival and the Seoul Christmas Festival are among the popular celebrations, illuminating the city with colorful lights and creating a whimsical atmosphere.
2. Visit the Palaces in Snow
Here is a picture of our TripMates during their trip in Seoul in autumn! They immersed themselves in astonishing Korean culture by visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Although the palace looks stunning regardless the season, winter brings a distinctive landscape. Roam around the palace while the snow is starting to blanket the land. Let your camera snap the gorgeous contrast between Gyeongbokgung’s reddish hues and the sparkling white snow.
3. Ice Skating and Snow-Sledding
Seoul offers several outdoor ice rinks during winter. The Olympic Park Ice Skating Rink and the Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink are popular spots for locals and tourists alike. Some parks even have sledding hills for a fun winter day outdoors.
4. Hunt for Korean Street Food
Winter is the perfect time to savor Korean street food. Don’t miss warm treats like hotteok, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and eomuk (fish cake skewers). As a note, a lot of Korean street snacks are spicy due to the use of gochujang, a sweet-spicy Korean sauce. Therefore, they will give you a kick of heat in the midst of Seoul’s freezing winter! You can find street food stalls almost everywhere across the city. Then, if you are looking for street food markets, you can head to Gwangjang Market.
5. Enjoy Traditional Korean Bathhouses
For a truly Korean winter experience, visit a jjimjilbang. These traditional spas offer heated rooms, saunas, and hot baths, which are perfect for relaxing after a day in Seoul’s cold weather.
Winter Destinations in Seoul
Here are some of Seoul’s top destinations that lead you to an unforgettable winter holiday. Discover unique activities and local specialties in each destination.
1. Namsan Seoul Tower
A visit to Namsan Tower provides sweeping views of the entire city blanketed in snow. The panoramic observation deck is especially romantic and scenic during winter.
2. Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village, with its traditional Korean houses, is a must-visit. The village’s narrow streets and beautiful architecture provide a unique winter experience, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
3. Lotte World and Everland
These amusement parks transform into winter wonderlands. Lotte World offers an indoor skating rink and winter-themed decorations, while Everland is known for its Snow Safari and seasonal events.
4. The Han River Parks
The Han River offers serene views, and a winter walk along the riverbanks is particularly refreshing. The parks along the Han River, like Yeouido Hangang Park, provide peaceful winter landscapes and lovely riverside paths.
5. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) Light Festival
The DDP hosts a famous light festival each winter, showcasing creative light installations that attract both locals and tourists. The combination of modern architecture and winter lights makes for a captivating visit.
Is It Worth Visiting Seoul in Winter?
Winter in Seoul isn’t just about colder temperatures—it’s a season that brings people together. Seoul hosts a variety of winter festivals, holiday markets, and light displays, particularly around the New Year and Lunar New Year. Visitors can enjoy not only these events but also the warm embrace of Korean hospitality, which shines through its food, cozy cafes, and traditional winter customs.
Are you ready to say, “Annyeonghaseyo” to winter in Seoul? Or do you have the idea in mind but want to leave the planning part behind? Then, you are in the right page! JoinMyTrip offers trips to South Korea, especially Seoul, that are expertly crafted and hosted by experienced travelers from all over the world. They have planned every detail of the trip, from the itineraries to accommodations, for you to have a safe and fun experience. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to travel with new travel buddies. They share the same passion for exploration and are always excited for the next adventure!
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